Chapman Estate

THE CHAPMAN ESTATE

The Chapman Estate is a highly visible and well-known property in the City of Pismo Beach. Located at 1243 Ocean Boulevard, the Chapman Estate has been an integral part of the Shell Beach community since Clifford Chapman purchased the property in 1962. He and Don Shidler, Chapman's partner of almost 50 years, collected art and treasures from around the world that are now displayed in the house and on the grounds. Prior to Mr. Chapman's passing, they hosted numerous parties and opened the Estate for non-profit events year-round.

Clifford Chapman expressed his desire for continued use of the Estate grounds for annual private fundraising events as well as it be opened for the community's enjoyment. It was his vision that funds raised through the use of the Estate be used to offset maintenance and overhead costs. Mr. Chapman's generous gift of his Estate to the City of Pismo Beach enables the City and Chapman Estate Foundation to continue these valued traditions, to provide innovative cultural and artistic experiences while engaging patrons who wish to support the Estate, and to establish an exclusive outdoor private event venue for those who wish to take advantage of this beautiful property.

Private Events

The Chapman Estate is the Central Coast’s most exclusive estate and private event venue. With breathtaking views of the Pacific, beautiful gardens, distinctive architecture, and a temperate climate during its open season, the Estate is the perfect location for weddings and private events. As a cultural and historic site in the City of Pismo Beach, site fees for the Chapman Estate help sustain the integrity of this beautiful property and ensure its availability for the future. For information on booking the Chapman Estate for your wedding or private event, please contact the Conference & Visitors Bureau at 805-773-7034.

Gates Open Occasions

Unless otherwise posted outside the main gate, the Chapman Estate south gate opens for public access on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00am-1:00pm and Fridays from 5:00pm-7:00pm, April through October. Entry onto the grounds is $5 per person, with individual ($25) and family ($50) season passes also available for purchase. Private docent led tours are available for an additional $5 per person. Please note: no dogs or alcohol are allowed on the premises. For more information on the gates opening occasions, please contact the Conference & Visitors Bureau at 805-773-7034.

Chapman Estate Foundation

A private corporation known as the Chapman Estate Foundation has been formed to assist in furthering the objective of the Chapman Estate becoming a fully-functional, self-sustaining public asset. For more information on the Chapman Estate Foundation, or to purchase tickets to their Swingin' by the Sea Annual Fundraiser, please visit their website at: http://chapmanestatefoundation.org/ .

THE CHAPMAN ESTATE STRATEGIC MASTER PLAN

The creation of the Chapman Estate Strategic Master Plan (Plan) with extensive community engagement was a directive of the Pismo Beach City Council upon accepting the Estate. The Plan created a community consensus and vision for the Estate’s fiscally responsible use, operation, maintenance and funding reflective of the community’s desire to preserves this historic jewel. The Plan addressed many questions regarding the use of the Estate, how and when improvements will be funded, and how the property will be managed. While the use of the Estate for funding purposes is important, the City Council sought to limit functions at the Estate in order to assure the peace and comfort of the Shell Beach community.